MINI2

mfearnuk · Oct 26th, 2004, 08:43 PM

Hi,

I have got 3 problems with my Mini Convertible (roof, gearbox, alarm sensors). I went to one dealership (Odiham) and was told to go back to where I purchased it from to get the warranty sorted – not really the case, but I did not have time to chat with the man.

I went back to my dealer as I was close by. I was going to be out of the country for a one week, then back for a week, then out for week (work related) – so told them to check everything the first week I am out – then fix it the second week I am out. Nice 'n' easy I thought.......

So the first week they did nothing apart from speak to BMW. Had trouble getting my car back as they were not expecting me to pick it up on a Sunday. Then heard nothing, by this time out of the country again……chased them on my return – then they said what were the problems again……Then they said a man from BMW will call you in a week…..still nothing.

Then BMW called me to survey me on my service from the BMW dealer and I let rip….OK so its now nearly 5 weeks and no closer to anything.

So not wanting to shame any dealership in the Portsmouth region, has anyone had such poor customer service from them and should I take my car somewhere else to get it sorted? What has been your experience of warranty claims via BMW – just getting hacked off now.

Sorry to spam you.

Cheers
Martin

pob · Oct 26th, 2004, 08:47 PM

No worse than they treat BMW customers in my experience...

Damo · Oct 26th, 2004, 11:53 PM

Errrrrrrr....it depends on the dealer...

I could name and shame a certain "network" of dealers, some my experience, some my GFs and other friends.

I can highly recommend 2 dealers though, Derek Woodman in Blackpool, and Bowker in Preston.

Theyre the only dealers I'll take my car to now.

JoeDentist · Oct 27th, 2004, 02:50 AM

More like 6th class. After 7-series, 6-series, 5-series, 3-series, and Isetta owners.

Cooper76 · Oct 27th, 2004, 04:04 AM

As far as corporate treatment, I am not sure, but at my dealership it's a whole different story from BMW to MINI. MINI is more relaxed and "hippie-like" than the still relaxed, but more upscale and "hospital-like" atmosphere of the BMW showroom. Whereas the MINI MAs are just there as facilitators it feels (perhaps because they are #2 in the U.S. = BUSY), my BMW guys are really solid, very trustworthy, and seem to be in it for the "life of the customers." They want repeat sales. Plus, they are "car" guys. Some of the MINI MAs (not mine) seem like they might not even have heard of MINI before they were hired.....yikes...

craftnurd · Oct 27th, 2004, 05:16 AM

yes.

Grings · Oct 27th, 2004, 07:52 AM

Just repay the favour by doing a massive burn up in their car park in front of plenty of potential BMW owners.

That'll get their attention

Lexuslover · Oct 27th, 2004, 09:11 AM

As with most makes, I reckon it depends on the dealer - obvious answer really!

However, my own experience would indicate that neither BMW or the local Mini dealer are anything but good. My car has been collected for adjustments to the roof (to stop it rattling), which was successful, and it going in next week for a new glovebox lock - when they had it in last time, they even polished out a mark on the passengers door where someone had knocked it - all free of charge.

My other experiences with brands/dealers has been with Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Lexus. Although the BMW/Mini relationship isn't quite up to Jaguar/Lexus levels of care and attention, it's not far off and so far I'm very happy! Having said that, I'm sure there are some dealers out there who are not as good as others - if you feel your dealer isn't meeting your expectations, then go elsewhere - when you find a good one, you'll be glad you did.

Oct 26th, 2004, 08:43 PM	#1
mfearnuk MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2004 Local Time: 05:10 AM Posts: 15 Offline	Do BMW treat Mini owners like second class citizens? Hi, I have got 3 problems with my Mini Convertible (roof, gearbox, alarm sensors). I went to one dealership (Odiham) and was told to go back to where I purchased it from to get the warranty sorted – not really the case, but I did not have time to chat with the man. I went back to my dealer as I was close by. I was going to be out of the country for a one week, then back for a week, then out for week (work related) – so told them to check everything the first week I am out – then fix it the second week I am out. Nice 'n' easy I thought....... So the first week they did nothing apart from speak to BMW. Had trouble getting my car back as they were not expecting me to pick it up on a Sunday. Then heard nothing, by this time out of the country again……chased them on my return – then they said what were the problems again……Then they said a man from BMW will call you in a week…..still nothing. Then BMW called me to survey me on my service from the BMW dealer and I let rip….OK so its now nearly 5 weeks and no closer to anything. So not wanting to shame any dealership in the Portsmouth region, has anyone had such poor customer service from them and should I take my car somewhere else to get it sorted? What has been your experience of warranty claims via BMW – just getting hacked off now. Sorry to spam you. Cheers Martin Last edited by mfearnuk : Oct 26th, 2004 at 08:44 PM. Reason: spelling

Oct 27th, 2004, 04:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
Cooper76 MotorCityMadman Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Motown Local Time: 12:10 AM Posts: 3,820 Offline	As far as corporate treatment, I am not sure, but at my dealership it's a whole different story from BMW to MINI. MINI is more relaxed and "hippie-like" than the still relaxed, but more upscale and "hospital-like" atmosphere of the BMW showroom. Whereas the MINI MAs are just there as facilitators it feels (perhaps because they are #2 in the U.S. = BUSY), my BMW guys are really solid, very trustworthy, and seem to be in it for the "life of the customers." They want repeat sales. Plus, they are "car" guys. Some of the MINI MAs (not mine) seem like they might not even have heard of MINI before they were hired.....yikes... *BMW-AG Rocks!!!* Portsmouth FC Can Thank Sunderland...What a Farce!!!

Oct 27th, 2004, 05:16 AM	#6 (permalink)
craftnurd MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Redlands, CA Local Time: 09:10 PM Posts: 330 Offline	yes. SCMM MINI2

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Oct 26th, 2004, 08:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
pob MINI2 Regular Join Date: Dec 2001 Local Time: 05:10 AM Posts: 236 Offline	No worse than they treat BMW customers in my experience...

Oct 26th, 2004, 11:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
Damo MINI2fosi My Classifieds Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: MINItorque.com Local Time: 05:10 AM Posts: 10,652 Offline	Errrrrrrr....it depends on the dealer... I could name and shame a certain "network" of dealers, some my experience, some my GFs and other friends. I can highly recommend 2 dealers though, Derek Woodman in Blackpool, and Bowker in Preston. Theyre the only dealers I'll take my car to now.

Oct 27th, 2004, 02:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
JoeDentist MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jul 2004 Local Time: 11:10 PM Posts: 227 Offline	More like 6th class. After 7-series, 6-series, 5-series, 3-series, and Isetta owners.

Oct 27th, 2004, 07:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
Grings MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Hampshire Local Time: 05:10 AM Posts: 1,244 Offline	Just repay the favour by doing a massive burn up in their car park in front of plenty of potential BMW owners. That'll get their attention

Oct 27th, 2004, 09:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
Lexuslover MINI2 Regular Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bedfordshire Local Time: 05:10 AM Posts: 64 Offline	As with most makes, I reckon it depends on the dealer - obvious answer really! However, my own experience would indicate that neither BMW or the local Mini dealer are anything but good. My car has been collected for adjustments to the roof (to stop it rattling), which was successful, and it going in next week for a new glovebox lock - when they had it in last time, they even polished out a mark on the passengers door where someone had knocked it - all free of charge. My other experiences with brands/dealers has been with Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo and Lexus. Although the BMW/Mini relationship isn't quite up to Jaguar/Lexus levels of care and attention, it's not far off and so far I'm very happy! Having said that, I'm sure there are some dealers out there who are not as good as others - if you feel your dealer isn't meeting your expectations, then go elsewhere - when you find a good one, you'll be glad you did.

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